The Best Phone Controller for Mobile Gaming in 2025

Mobile gaming's evolution demands controllers balancing performance and portability. Modern smartphones and tablets now handle console-quality games, rendering touchscreen controls inadequate for most titles.

Current phone controllers typically feature an expandable design, cradling your device within a shell with half a controller on each side. Top contenders, like the Razer Kishi Ultra, boast thumbsticks and buttons rivaling traditional console controllers; some even offer customizable extra buttons.

TL;DR - Best Phone Controllers

Our Top Pick: ### Razer Kishi Ultra

4See it at Amazon### SCUF Nomad

5See it at Amazon### Backbone One

3See it at Amazon### ASUS ROG Tessen

2See it at Amazon### GameSir X2s

3See it at Amazon

Whether you prioritize extended play comfort or compact portability, numerous options cater to diverse needs and devices. Below are our top picks.

1. Razer Kishi Ultra: Best Overall

Our Top Pick: ### Razer Kishi Ultra

4See it at Amazon

• Console-quality controls, comfortable grip, feature-rich app unifying games and services.

  • Pros: Full-size analog sticks and triggers, Mecha-Tactile buttons, comfortable design, customizable via Razer Nexus app.
  • Cons: Some features Android-only, bulky.

The Razer Kishi Ultra builds on the Razer Kishi V2, mirroring the Razer Wolverine V2's design for superior mobile gaming. Its expandable midsection accommodates smartphones and smaller tablets/iPads via USB-C. Wired USB-C connection enables PC controller use. Direct connection ensures zero latency, ideal for competitive and casual gaming. Full-size analog sticks and triggers, responsive Mecha-Tactile buttons, and customizable L4/R4 buttons enhance the experience. The Razer Nexus app integrates mobile games and services, offering customizable RGB, button remapping, and dead zone adjustments. Note that some features (Sensa HD Haptics, Virtual Controller Mode) are Android-exclusive.

2. Scuf Nomad: Best Customizable

### SCUF Nomad

5See it at Amazon

• Pro-level Bluetooth controller (iPhone only), Hall Effect joysticks, swappable thumb caps, robust software, customizable back buttons.

  • Pros: Anti-drift thumbsticks, comfortable grip, customizable rear paddles, works with phone cases.
  • Cons: No Android support, awkward button layout, small D-pad, no passthrough charging.

Scuf's Nomad controller introduces pro-level customization to mobile gaming. Its sturdy build and Hall Effect joysticks (eliminating stick drift) enhance the experience. Bluetooth pairing and an internal battery preserve phone battery life. Interchangeable thumbstick caps allow personalized adjustments. However, the button layout deviates from standard designs, and it currently lacks Android support and passthrough charging. The Scuf app offers trigger response curve and dead zone adjustments, plus three customizable profiles.

3. Backbone One: Best App Integration

### Backbone One

3See it at Amazon

• Excellent hardware/software integration, simple design, iOS and Android compatibility.

  • Pros: Lightweight, console-like app experience, supports iOS and Android, works with phone cases.
  • Cons: Slightly mushy buttons, small thumbsticks and triggers.

The Backbone One, a pioneer in expandable controller design, remains a strong contender. While lacking full-size controls, it's ideal for casual gamers. It offers Lightning (legacy iOS) or USB-C (newer iPhones and Android) connectivity, plus passthrough charging and a 3.5mm audio jack. The Backbone app provides a console-like interface, easily accessing games and streaming services (Xbox Cloud Gaming, PlayStation Remote Play, etc.). The second generation features an improved D-pad and magnetic phone adapters. A PlayStation-licensed edition is also available.

4. ASUS ROG Tessen: Best Portable

### ASUS ROG Tessen

2See it at Amazon

• Responsive buttons, smooth analog sticks, customizable back paddles, portable foldable design (Android only).

  • Pros: Foldable design, works with phone cases, mechanical buttons and D-pad, 18W passthrough charging.
  • Cons: Android only, limited companion app features.

The ASUS ROG Tessen stands out with its foldable design, ideal for portability without sacrificing quality. Mechanical switches provide responsive buttons and D-pad, while smooth analog sticks enhance gameplay. Customizable aluminum back paddles further personalize the experience. The Armoury Crate app offers button remapping, but its features are relatively limited. Direct USB-C connection ensures zero latency and includes 18W passthrough charging.

5. GameSir X2s: Best Budget

### GameSir X2s

3See it at Amazon

• Quality controls and features at a budget-friendly price.

  • Pros: Hall Effect thumbsticks, analog triggers, passthrough charging.
  • Cons: Uncomfortable for large hands, small buttons, limited button remapping (Android), somewhat flimsy build.

The GameSir X2s improves upon its predecessor, the X2 Pro, offering Hall Effect joysticks (eliminating stick drift), analog triggers, and passthrough charging at a lower price. While the design remains somewhat uncomfortable for larger hands and the build quality is slightly flimsy, these are offset by the improved features. It's compatible with iPhone 15 and newer, and Android devices, though most app features are Android-exclusive.

Choosing the Right Controller:

Consider these factors:

• Compatibility: Ensure compatibility with your device (USB-C, Lightning, Android/iOS). Check for case compatibility.
• Portability: Choose a smaller, foldable design for on-the-go use; larger controllers are suitable for home use.
• Games: Select features (customizable buttons, back paddles, etc.) based on your gaming preferences.